Rutabaga Paddlesports Is Closing, Canoecopia Continues

Darren Bush, owner of Rutabaga Paddlesports (located in Madison, Wisconsin) posted a heartfelt blog post this weekend announcing that the store will be closing at the end of 2025. After a health scare and much reflection, Darren decided it was time…

I did explore other options. I looked into selling the business, finding someone to take it over. Honestly, I couldn't find a way to ensure that would continue at the same standard. I’ve seen too many businesses purchased and run into the ground, and it’s ugly, so I'd rather close on a high note than see what we've created diminished. We just hit 995 reviews on Google with a 4.9 star rating. That doesn’t just happen. The Rutabaga staff are the best people I know, and I am truly grateful for all of them.

On the flip side, Canoecopia will continue March 13th to 15th, 2026 and onwards.

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